Advanced dynamic credit cards

ABSTRACT

A credit card is provided that may include a credit card number, where at least a portion of the credit card number changes periodically. A magnetic emulator and/or magnetic stripe encoder may be provided to communicate at least a portion of the information needed to complete a credit card transaction to a credit card reader. For example, a magnetic emulator may be provided about a magnetic stripe so that the magnetic emulator communicates the information that changes and the magnetic stripe communicates the information that does not change. In doing so, the amount of power used by a credit card may be reduced with respect to a credit card that communicates, for example, all of the information with a magnetic emulator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Nos. 61/016,491 filed on Dec. 24, 2007 (Docket No. JDM/019PROV), 61/026,846 filed on Feb. 7, 2008 (Docket No. JDM/019PROV2),61/027,807 filed on Feb. 11, 2008 (Docket. No. JDM/020 PROV), 61/081,003filed on Jul. 15, 2008 (Docket No. D/005 PROV), 61/086,239 filed on Aug.5, 2008 (Docket No. D/006 PROV), 61/090,423 filed on Aug. 20, 2008(Docket No. D/007 PROV), 61/097,401 filed Sep. 16, 2008 (Docket No.D/008 PROV), 61/112,766 filed on Nov. 9, 2008 (Docket No. D/009 PROV),61/117,186 filed on Nov. 23, 2008 (D/010 PROV), 61/119,366 filed on Dec.2, 2008 (Docket No. D/011 PROV), and 61/120,813 filed on Dec. 8, 2008,all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to payment cards such as credit cards.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A card is provided with a dynamic number. For example, a payment card,such as credit card, is provided with a dynamic payment card number,such as a dynamic credit card number. A dynamic credit card number may,for example, change based on time or use.

A portion of a dynamic credit card number may be static. Accordingly,for example, the credit card number may change but particular digits ofthe dynamic credit card number may remain constant. For example, adynamic credit card number may be provided such that the beginning oneor more digits (e.g., first six digits) are static.

As such, the beginning one or more digits of a number may berepresentative of the type of card (e.g., a dynamic credit card) as wellas other information. Such information may include, for example, routinginformation such that at least some of the digits of a number may becommunicated to remote servers according to the static routinginformation.

For example, the beginning digit of numerous dynamic credit cards mayhave the same static one or more digits (e.g., beginning digits). Forexample, the beginning digits of an American Express dynamic credit cardmay take the form of “399.” The first digit (e.g., “3”) may berepresentative of the card manufacturer (e.g., “American Express”). Thesecond and third digits (e.g., “99”) may be representative of the typeof card (e.g., a dynamic credit card).

A magnetic emulator may be provided on a card (e.g., a credit or debitcard). Such a magnetic emulator may include one or more wires that areable to produce an electromagnetic field that is operable to be read by,for example, a magnetic stripe reader. The magnetic emulator may beprovided about a magnetic stripe and may be utilized to produce anelectromagnetic field such that, for example, a magnetic stripe readermay seamlessly read a portion of the magnetic stripe, then read fieldsgenerated from the magnetic emulator, then read another portion of themagnetic stripe. In doing so, for example, only particular informationrelated to an account (e.g., all or a portion of a credit card number)may be communicated via a magnetic emulator and, as such, may beoperable to be changed.

A magnetic emulator may be placed adjacent to a magnetic stripe suchthat the first data read by a magnetic stripe data is provided by themagnetic emulator. Similarly, numerous magnetic emulators may beprovided about one or more magnetic stripes. For example, a magneticemulator may be provided at different locations on different tracks of amagnetic stripe. Magnetic emulators may share, for example, similarcontrol circuitry. Magnetic emulators may communicate data directly to aread-head of a card reader without the presence of a magnetic medium. Acard may be provided with one or more emulators and without a magneticstripe.

A magnetic encoder may be provided, for example, to change the state ofmagnetic filaments located on a magnetic stripe such that informationmay be changed. A magnetic encoder may write information on a magneticmaterial configured for that magnetic encoder. Accordingly, for example,a card (e.g., a security card) may be provided with a magnetic stripehaving one set of attributes (e.g., one coercivity) and another magneticstripe, configured for use with a magnetic encoder, having a differentset of attributes (e.g., a different coercivity).

An identification name may be printed on the front of a card (e.g., acredit, debit, or security card). This name may be unique. Accordingly,for example, no two credit cards may be fabricated that utilize the sameidentification name. For example, instead of providing a card with anidentification name of “Christopher Mullen,” that card may include anidentification name of “Christopher-Mullen-201.” As such, a user on awebsite may utilize the identification name in a field representative of“name on card”/“name of account holder.” Such an identification name mayalso be communicated to a magnetic stripe reader via a magnetic stripeor magnetic emulator located on a credit card.

A batch of credit card numbers may be partitioned such that, forexample, two users having the same name may not, for example, have adynamic credit card associated with the same particular partition. Forexample, suppose the first three numbers of a dynamic credit card numberare static (e.g. “391”). The first digit (e.g., “3”) may berepresentative of a credit card manufacturer (e.g., “AmericanExpress.”). The second digit (e.g., “9”) may be representative of thetype of credit card (e.g., a dynamic credit card). The third digit(e.g., “1”) may be representative of the partition. Accordingly, acredit card verification process may be able to recognize a partition.Using this scheme, for example, ten partitions may be provided (e.g.,“390-399”). As such, ten people using the exact same name may beprovided with a dynamic credit card that utilizes this scheme and eachcould be provided with a different partition.

More than one display may be utilized on a card, such as anidentification card or credit card. A single controller (e.g., aprocessor) and a clock may be utilized to drive such displays.Similarly, each display may be provided with its own controller andclock. The clock may supply timing signals to such controllers.Accordingly, each controller may be provided with a different type ofcoding. For example, one controller may utilize one coding scheme andanother controller may utilize another coding scheme. As such a dynamicnumber, such as a dynamic credit card number, may be provided by one ormore displays run by different coding schemes. If one coding scheme iscompromised by a thief, such an additional coding scheme would provideadditional security. Similarly, a single controller may provide multiplecoding schemes to different portions of a dynamic number (e.g., adynamic credit or debit card number).

A dynamic number may change periodically. A dynamic number may changebased on a time period. This time period may be displayed on a display.For example, the time period may be a portion of a dynamic number.Accordingly, a transmitted dynamic number may include the information asto what time period, or time periods, the dynamic number is associatedwith.

A dynamic code may be provided. A dynamic code may be provided on itsown display or on a display providing other information (e.g., dynamiccard number). Such a dynamic code may be, for example, a dynamicsecurity code. Accordingly, for example, a dynamic security code may beutilized with a dynamic card number to authorize a payment transaction.Such a dynamic code may also be communicated through a magnetic emulatoror encoder. Alternatively, for example, one dynamic code may becommunicated visually (e.g., for online transactions) and a differentdynamic code may be communicated magnetically (e.g., for in-storetransactions). Such codes may change based on time or use. One or morebuttons may be provided to change a particular dynamic number or alldynamic numbers. For example, a button may be utilized to change adynamic card number and a different button may be utilized to change adynamic security code for online use. A single button may be provided,for example, that changes all dynamic numbers (e.g., a card numberprovided on a display, an online security code provided on the same or adifferent display, and an in-store code communicated magnetically to amagnetic stripe reader). An in-store code and an online security codemay be, for example, the same code. Different tracks of data may, forexample, have different security codes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The principles and advantages of the present invention can be moreclearly understood from the following detailed description considered inconjunction with the following drawings, in which the same referencenumerals denote the same structural elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of cards constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of cards constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of cards constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of cards constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of cards constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a card constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a card constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a personal electronic device constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows card 100 that may include a display that displays dynamiccredit card number 110, time period 120, and time until changeinformation 130.

Identification information 140 may also be included on card 100.Identification information 140 may be permanently provided on card 100or may be displayed on a display (e.g., the display that displaysdynamic credit card number 110). For example, identification information140 may be printed onto card 100 or embossed on card 100.

Dynamic credit card number 110 may be changed periodically.Additionally, a number may be changed right after a user enters a numberinto an online checkout process—but before that online checkout processcompletes. Accordingly, a particular number of dynamic credit cardnumber 110 may, for example, be valid during time period 120 in whichthe particular number was generated. Dynamic numbers may, or may not, berepeated. The numbers that are valid for a particular period of time maybe, for example, a numbers generated in adjacent time slots (e.g., thetime slot or time slots before and after the generation of the displayednumber).

A display may be bi-stable or non bi-stable. A bi-stable display mayconsume electrical energy to change the information displayed on thebi-stable display but may not consume electrical energy to maintain thedisplay of that information. A non bi-stable display may consumeelectrical energy to both change and maintain information on the nonbi-stable display. A display driving circuit may be provided, forexample, for a bi-stable display (or a non bi-stable display). Such adisplay driving circuit may step-up a supply voltage (e.g., 1-5 volts)to a larger voltage (e.g., 6-15 volts) such that a bi-stable display maychange displayed information. A controller (e.g., a processor) may beutilized to control such a display driving circuit.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a particular number maybe verified by a verification system (e.g., a credit card verificationserver) during a time period not associated with the particular number.In such instances, for example, the particular number may be transmittedalong with the time period in which the particular number was generated.Accordingly, the particular number may be verified as being generatedduring the time period by the verification server. In instances offraud, the cost of fraud may be transferred to the entity that providedthe particular number and time period. In this manner, the liability forfraud may be transmitted to the entity that stores the particular numberand time period for later use. In doing so, entities may be encouragedto, for example, only transmit current dynamic credit card numbers. Thecost of fraud may be transferred, for example, to the association orbank that issued the card.

A website may include, for example, a text box that would allow a userto provide timing information 120. A different coding scheme may also beassociated with each, or with a group of, different time periods. Acredit card verification system may include a timing circuit that is insync with a timing circuit on card 100 such that both the verificationsystem and card 100 are aware of the current time period of card 100. Atime period may be, for example, on the order of minutes, hours, ordays. For example, a time period may be approximately 36 hours induration.

Time until change information 130 may be provided on a display and maybe representative of the amount of time remaining before number 110changes.

Identification information 140 may be provided on card 100.Identification information 140 may be provided such that each card 100has different identification information 140. Accordingly, even thoughto users may have the same name, each user may have differentidentification information 140. In doing so, a user may enter inidentification information 140 on a text box at an online store and averification system may, for example, be able to identify a particularuser based on identification information 140. A number may include oneor more digits representative of information that may be utilized in anidentification process. For example, two digits may be representative ofa partition. Users having the same name may be assigned differentpartitions. Accordingly, the name on a card may be associated with thename of a person. People with the same name may have the sameidentification information. However, such people with the same name maybe recognized by having different identification digits. Twoidentification digits in a credit card number may allow for 100partitions. Similarly, identification information may be provided in adynamic credit card number. The digits for identification may changelocation each period or particular groups of periods as well as may becoded differently each period or particular groups of periods.Identification digits may be static (e.g., printed on a credit card orstatically displayed so the digits do not change). In printing a staticnumber of a card, for example, the amount of power needed to display acredit card number may be reduced.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate, for example, that at leastthe first six digits of payment card number may remain static and may beutilized to route at least the rest of the payment card number to theappropriate verification network. Portions of remaining digits mayremain static and may be utilized for identification while otherremaining digits may be dynamic.

Card 150 may be provided and may include a display that includes adynamic number with portion 160 that corresponds to a credit card numberand portion 170 that corresponds to a time period. Persons skilled inthe art will appreciate that other portions may be provided in such anumber or that a particular portion may include particular information.For example, user identification information may be utilized as part ofportion 160. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a staticnumber may be permanently provided on a card (e.g., via printing orembossing). Alternatively, for example, a display may display aparticular digit or digits time the display displays a card number.Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a display may beconfigured to display numerical data or alphanumerical data. A displaymay also be configured to display other indicia (e.g., the image of abattery and its remaining life).

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that portions 160 and 170 maytake the form of a credit card number (e.g., a fifteen digit number thatis transmitted as a credit card number to a credit card verificationserver). Additionally, any digit or digits of a dynamic credit cardnumber may be static. For example, at least the first digit may bestatic. In doing so, for example, a credit card verification system maybe able to identify a credit card number as being a dynamic credit cardnumber.

A credit card number with three digits allocated for a time periodassociated with the generated number may, for example, be sufficient toprovide enough time periods for a card's life. For example, suppose atime period is associated with a day. Three digits would provide for1000 days of operation. As a card may be provided with a magneticemulator or magnetic stripe encoder, additional information may betransmitted to a card verification system. For example, useridentification information and time period information not embodied as acredit card number may be transmitted to a remote credit cardverification system via a local magnetic stripe reader.

FIG. 2 shows card 200 that includes a credit card number having staticportion 210, displayed portion 220, and displayed portion 230. Staticportion 123 may be utilized such that a credit card verification systemis able to recognize that a credit card number is a dynamic credit cardsuch as an American Express dynamic credit card. Portion 220 may bedynamic and may periodically change. In doing so, the amount of fraudassociated with card number theft may be reduced. Portion 230 may berepresentative of a time period for portion 220. Accordingly,identification of a number being a dynamic card number, a time stamp,and a dynamic number may all be transmitted as a 15-digit credit cardnumber. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a payment cardnumber may have different lengths. For example, a payment card numbermay be 19 digits in length or 16 digits in length. Persons skilled inthe art will appreciate that a time period, for example, does not haveto be transmitted. Systems may, for example, assume that a card issynchronized to a verification server. Similarly, transmission of a timestamp may be optional. As such, for example, a time stamp may betransmitted when one-click shopping is utilized by a particular onlinestore, but a time stamp may not be needed, for example, when a purchaseis made and a credit card number is entered for immediate processing.

Card 250 includes a number, which may be utilized as a credit cardnumber, which includes portion 260 and 270. Portion 260 may include, forexample digits that may be representative of the type of numberdisplayed (e.g., a dynamic credit card number). Portion 260 may alsoinclude a dynamic number that may be utilized by a credit cardprocessing system to a make a purchase on credit. Portion 270 may, forexample, include digits associated with a time period for a dynamiccredit card number. Portions 260 and 270 may be coded by differentcoding procedures. Accordingly, if the integrity of one procedure iscompromised, a dynamic credit card may still provide security if, forexample, the integrity of the other coding procedure is still intact.

FIG. 3 shows credit card 300 may include structure 310 which may be, forexample, a dynamic magnetic communications device such as a magneticstripe encoder or a magnetic emulator. A magnetic stripe encoder may,for example, erase and re-write information to a magnetic stripe. Amagnetic emulator may, for example, generate electromagnetic fields thatare able to be read by a magnetic stripe reader.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a button may be includedthat may provide a variety of capabilities. For example, a button, whenpressed, may cause a magnetic stripe encoder to write a number (e.g.,the credit card number generated at the time the button is pressed) tothe magnetic stripe. This number may also be displayed on a display. Asper another example, a button, while pressed, may cause a magneticemulator to turn ON and emulate fields. A magnetic emulator or encodermay comprise a number of wires. A current may be flowed through thewires at particular strengths and polarities to generate fields capableof, for example, writing to a magnetic stripe or being read by amagnetic stripe reader.

Card 350 may include magnetic stripe portions 360 and 380 as well asmagnetic encoder or emulator 370. Persons skilled in the art willappreciate that only a particular portion of information that needs tobe transmitted may need to change. Accordingly, a dynamic encoder oremulator does not, for example, need to be utilized to emulate or encodeall of the transmitted information. An encoder and/or emulator may beutilized, for example, to communicate a dynamic credit card number or aportion of a dynamic credit card number to a credit card reader.Similarly, an encoder and/or emulator may be utilized, for example tocommunicate a time period, dynamic feedback (e.g., whether the batteryis LOW or the card has been breached by a thief), or identificationinformation.

A rechargeable battery may be provided such that, for example, the cardmay be inserted into a device capable of recharging the rechargeablebattery.

A magnetic credit card stripe may have multiple tracks. One or moremagnetic encoders and/or emulators may be utilized to communicateinformation on one or more (e.g., all) tracks). Persons skilled in theart will appreciate that different tracks may be provided with adifferent bit density (e.g., bits-per-inch). Accordingly, the spacing ofwires on emulators/encoders may be different depending on the type oftrack the emulator/encoder is attempting to emulate/encode.

An encoder and/or emulator may be placed adjacent to a magnetic stripeor underneath a magnetic stripe. For example, a particular portion of aparticular track may be cut-out from a multiple track magnetic stripeand an emulator may be placed in this cut-out portion on a card. Amagnetic encoder and/or emulator may be placed, for example, before amagnetic stripe, after a magnetic stripe, or with a magnetic stripe.

FIG. 4 shows card 400 that may include magnetic stripe 410, magneticemulator 420, magnetic emulator 430, and magnetic emulator 440. Magneticemulators 420, 430, and 440 may, for example, be utilized to emulatesimilar information, but on different tracks of a multiple trackmagnetic stripe. Similarly, magnetic emulators 420, 430, and 440 may beplaced on different horizontal portions of their respective tracks sothat each emulator provides similar information on each track. Forexample, suppose that a middle track includes a higher bit density thenexterior tracks (e.g., in a three-track embodiment). Then, for example,magnetic emulator 430 may be located in a different location thenemulators 420 and 440. Similarly, the two exterior tracks in athree-track magnetic stripe may be have a higher bit density then amiddle track. Additionally, for example, different tracks may have dataformatted in different ways. Accordingly, similar information on eachtrack may be located in different areas due to formatting.

The exterior tracks in a three-track configuration (e.g., tracks 1 and3) may, for example, be provided at 210 bits per inch. The middle trackin such a configuration (e.g., track 2) may be provided at 75 bits perinch. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that, for example, amagnetic stripe encoder may be utilized instead of a magnetic emulator.Magnetic stripe encoders may, for example, be placed under a portion ofa magnetic stripe. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that apayment card may be provided with any number of tracks. For example, apayment card may be provided with two tracks (e.g., tracks 1 and 2).Different tracks may include similar data (e.g., card numbers) as wellas different data. For example, one track (e.g., track 1, which may bethe track closest to the bottom of the card) may include nameinformation while another track (e.g., track 2, which may be locatedabove track 1).

Card 450 may include magnetic stripe 460 and magnetic encoder and/oremulator 470. Magnetic stripe 460 may have three tracks of data. Assuch, card 450 may include multiple tracks (e.g., three) and magneticencoder and/or emulator 470 may, for example, form a portion of one ofthese tracks. The rest of the tracks may, for example, be provided as amagnetic stripe without a magnetic encoder/emulator. A single track mayinclude, for example, any number of magnetic emulators and/or magneticencoders.

For example, a single track may include a magnetic emulator (or encoder)at the beginning and end of a track such that the middle of the track isprovided by a magnetic stripe. Similarly, a single track may include amagnetic emulator (or encoder) at, for example, just the beginning of atrack. Similarly still, a single track may include a magnetic emulator(or encoder) at, for example, just the end of a track. A magneticencoder or emulator located at an end of a magnetic stripe may, forexample, communicate a string of a particular bit (e.g., zeros) to aid amagnetic reader's reading of magnetic stripe information. A magneticstripe reader may be configured to, for example, determine the rate atwhich bits are being communicated by looking at a string of zerosprovided on a card before, and after, payment card information. Personsskilled in the art will appreciate that a card may provide magneticstripe information either in a forward configuration or backwardsconfiguration. For example, a magnetic emulator, or encoder, may providepayment information in reverse order. Accordingly, a payment number maybe communicated in payment information from its least significant digitto its most significant digit instead of from, for example, its mostsignificant digit to its least significant digit. Persons skilled in theart will appreciate that magnetic stripe data may, for example, beprovided as characters. Numerical data may be, accordingly, described insuch magnetic stripe data as characters. In such instances, for example,a particular character of data may be utilized to just describenumerical data. Routing servers may, for example, look for suchnumerical data. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate thatadditional states may be provided in characters that are not used. Suchadditional states may be utilized to communicate, for example,additional information while still communicating numerical data. Forexample, a character that includes twenty or more states may be utilizedto describe a digit as well as an extra bit of data. The first andeleventh character may correspond, for example, to the same digit (e.g.,“0”). However, for example, the selection of the first and eleventhstates may be utilized to transmit additional information. Suchadditional information may be, for example, a piece of the timinginformation or information indicative of a coding scheme used.Accordingly, a remote server (e.g., a routing or verification server)may be able to extract both digit information as well as additionalinformation for a character associated with a digit under a particulardata structure (e.g., an American Express credit card number format) andcommunicate these pieces of data to another server or different servers.The inclusion of additional data may be provided, for example, for anycharacter of a data structure that has a number of states greater thanthe number of states used to describe its corresponding informationunder that structure. Different tracks of data may include, for example,different types of characters that utilize a different number of states.For example, a track (e.g., track 1) may include 7-bit characters whilea different track (e.g., track 2) may include 5-bit characters.Characters as well as tracks of data may include, for example paritybits as well as different types of sentinels (e.g., start and endsentinels). A track of data may be provided with a character for aLongitudal Redundancy Check (LRC). A processor may encrypt, for example,entire tracks of data based on time or use. A processor may encrypt, forexample, one or all tracks of data provided on a card.

FIG. 5 shows card 500 that includes display 510. Display 510 may, forexample, be located near the top of a card 500. Display 510 may also be,for example, provided in the middle of the top of card 500 or off-setfrom the middle of card 500 (e.g., either left or right of the middle).In doing so, for example, the amount of space beneath the display may bemaximized. Accordingly, the size of particular components may beincreased. For example, a battery may be placed beneath display 510 andthe location of a display at the top of card 500 may allow for a batteryof increased size. By increasing the size of a battery, the life of card500, without a recharge, may be increased. One or more batteries may beutilized in card 500.

Card 550 may include display 570 and 580 that may provide part of acredit card number. Static information 560 may also be utilized as partof that credit card number. Displays 570 and 580 may each be operated bya different microprocessor. Each of displays 570 and 580 may operateunder different coding procedures (provided by the differentprocessors). A single processor may be utilized to provide the differentcoding procedures. Displays 570 and 580, and the associated processors,may be clocked by a single clock and may be powered by a single battery.Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that any number ofprocessors, clocks, or any other structure may be utilized in card 550.Displays 570 and 580 may, for example, be located near the top of card550.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that any information utilizedin any type of payment transaction (e.g., credit card transaction) maybe displayed on a display and communicated to a reader via an emulatoror encoder. For example, a user's zip code may be provided on a dynamiccredit card on a display as a dynamic number that changes with time.This zip code may be representative of, for example, a time stamp. Inthis manner, for example, a user may communicate a time stamp to acredit card verification system by entering in the dynamic time stampinto a text box located on the payment stage of an online store.

Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that a fifteen digitnumber may be sufficient to provide a large amount of data. For example,a first portion of digits may identify a credit card as a dynamic creditcard (e.g., digits 1 and 2). A second portion may identify a user (e.g.,digits 3-9). A third portion may be representative of a security codethat changes with respect to time (e.g., digits 10-13). A fourth portionmay be representative of a time-stamp (e.g., digits 14 and 15). Anyportion (e.g., the first portion and second portion) may be static and,as such, may be printed on a credit card. A time stamp may, for example,cycle through and restart at 0. Accordingly, for example, a two digittime stamp may start at 00, end at 99, and then restart at 00. If such atime stamp changes every day, the chances that a time-stamp is notsynchronized with a server may be relatively low. Persons skilled in theart will appreciate that environmental characteristics such astemperature may affect the operation of a clock and may introduce delay.Accordingly, the time stamp may be utilized, for example, to confirmthat the credit card is in synchronization with a verification system.

FIG. 6 shows card 600 that may include, for example, one or more ICchips 630 (e.g., EMV chips), RFID antennas 620, processors 640, displays650, dynamic magnetic communications devices 610 (e.g., magneticencoders and/or magnetic emulators), batteries 660, and buttons 651 and652. Additionally circuitry 698 may be provided and may include, forexample, one or more oscillators or additional circuitry. Personsskilled in the art will appreciate that button 651 may, for example, beutilized by a user to select one encryption algorithm for a numberdisplayed on display 650 while button 652 may be utilized by a user toselect a different encryption algorithm. Persons skilled in the art willappreciate that the components of card 600 may be provided on eithersurface of a card (e.g., a front or rear surface of the card) or insideof a card. A logo (e.g., of a card issuer) and logo may be provided oneither surface of a card.

A button, such as button 651, may be utilized, for example, to display anumber. Such a number may be, for example, encrypted from a securenumber based on time or use. For example, one-time use numbers (e.g., apayment number or code) may be retrieved from a list of numbers onmemory each time button 651 is pressed and displayed on display 650. Aprocessor may only go through each number once on a list. A registrationprocess may be provided in which a user may be requested to enter in asequence of numbers such that a remote server may validate the card andlearn where in a sequence of a list a card currently resides. Numbersmay be repeated on a list or may only occur once on a list. All of thenumbers available by the length of the number may be utilized by thelist or only a portion of the numbers available by the length of thenumber may be provided by the list. A secret number may be encrypted ona card and a verification server may also have knowledge of this secretnumber. Accordingly, the remote server may perform the same encryptionfunction as the card on the secret number and verify that the resultantencrypted number is the same as the resultant encrypted number on acard. Alternatively, for example, the remote server may decrypt thereceived encrypted number to determine the authenticity of the encryptednumber and validate an activity (e.g., validate a security accessrequest or a purchase transaction).

FIG. 7 shows card 700 that may include, for example, signature area 710that may include a material operable to receive marks from a pen (e.g.,a signature). Card 700 may also include, for example, displays 720 and730. Display 720 may, for example, display a payment number whiledisplay 730 displays a security code (e.g., for online purchaseauthentication). Display 720 as well as display 730 may be utilized onthe same side as, for example, dynamic magnetic communications device710.

FIG. 8 shows personal electronic device 800 which may be, for example, aportable telephonic device, portable media player, or any type ofelectronic device. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that thefunctionality of a card may be provided on a personal device anddisplayed through a graphical user interface. Personal electronic device800 may include, for example, user inputs 840 and display 810. Virtualcard 820 may be displayed on display 820. Display 820 may be atouch-sensitive display such that, for example, virtual button 830 maybe provided on virtual card 820. Persons skilled in the art willappreciate that cards may be provided as virtual cards and a user mayinteract with such virtual cards in order to provide a variety offunctions. Personal electronic device 800 may communicate to a cardreader such as, for example, an RFID reader.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a dynamic magneticcommunications device (e.g., a magnetic emulator or magnetic encoder)may be fabricated, either completely or partially, in silicon andprovided as a silicon-based chip. Other circuitry (e.g., drivingcircuitry) may also be fabricated on such a silicon-based chip. Aprocessor, such as a processor for controlling a magnetic communicationsdevice, may be, for example, a programmable processor having on-boardprogrammable non-volatile memory (e.g., FLASH memory), volatile memory(e.g., RAM), as well as a cache. Firmware as well as payment information(e.g., dynamic numbers) may be, for example, communicated from aprogramming device to a processor's on-board programmable non-volatilememory (e.g., a FLASH memory) such that a card may provide a variety offunctionalities. Such a processor may also have one or more power-savingoperating modes, in which each operating mode turns OFF a different setof circuitry to provide different levels of power consumption. One ormore power-savings modes may turn OFF, for example, one or more clockingcircuitry provided on a processor. An Application-Specific IntegratedCircuit (ASIC) may also be included in a card or other device toprovide, for example, processing, dynamic magnetic communications, aswell as driving capabilities.

Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the presentinvention is not limited to only the embodiments described. Instead, thepresent invention more generally involves dynamic information. Personsskilled in the art will also appreciate that the apparatus of thepresent invention may be implemented in other ways then those describedherein. All such modifications are within the scope of the presentinvention, which is limited only by the claims that follow.

1-3. (canceled)
 4. A payment card comprising: a first track area for communicating a track of magnetic stripe information, wherein said first track area includes: a first electronic device for providing a first portion of said track of magnetic stripe information; a second electronic device for providing a second portion of said track of magnetic stripe information; a magnetic stripe for providing a third portion of said track of magnetic stripe information, wherein said magnetic stripe is located between said first electronic device and said second electronic device.
 5. The payment card of claim 4, further comprising a battery. 